Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
Greetings from North Wales! Guess who thought it would be good idea to drive here on a Bank Holiday weekend?! 7 hours it took me! So many hold up. Still I got to catch up with a few people on my travels. Lovely to chat to so many people. And listened to a few podcasts.
On arrival, I was greeting with lots of puppy kisses. Well after I’d unfurled myself from The Comedy Car. It’s not the most comfortable on a long journey. Lily was very pleased to see me. As were the rest of the Birkett’s.
I took my friend Colette on a sunset river cruise tonight for an early birthday treat. It rained. A lot. But we still got to see a lovely sunset. And some even more lovely properties from the water.
I know I say it a lot, but I really do love in a beautiful part of the world. It was so peaceful out on the Broads.
So I’ve recently discovered that I am a big fan of flat peaches. Why is this my news? Well I’m not a huge fan of fruit per say. Give me a bowl of salad or a plate of vegetables over fruit any day. So when I find one I like, it’s a good day.
Peaches seemed to feature today as Buddy was complimented on his peachy bottom today at his saddle check. He’s templating more evenly and has come up through his back. Hurrah! He needed to go up a headplate too. He muscling in all the right places.
I’ve been working hard on being more disciplined with both of us. Especially with my position. So really good to hear it’s working.
We played around with the blocks on my saddle too. The aim is to keep my slightly wonky body straight to help Buddy’s slightly wonky body straight too. Definitely felt different. And much better.
Just peachy!
Got to do something pretty special today. Headed to the East Anglian Air Ambulance HQ for a cheque presentation. Carleton Riding Club have been raising money for them in honour of one of our long-standing members, Martine Holden.
Martine is also a friend of mine, so I was even more determined to raise as much as we could for her. Together we’ve raised £3,625 for them. So much more than we ever dreamt. Testament to the impact that Martine has had on people and our club over the years.
A massive thank you to each and every one of you who donated.
It was even more poignant for us as they received a shout just after we’d finished having photos with the helicopter. We watched them fly off, knowing the vital role they perform on a daily basis.
You can still donate using our page – https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/carletonridingclub
Riding in a helicopter is on my bucket list. Fingers crossed I don’t tick that one off by flying in this one.
Today I have been mostly avoiding the sunshine. I am a tad pink in places from yesterday. Very pink in others. Seriously, you’d have thought I would have gotten the hang of suncream by now.
The backs of my legs are the worst bit. Guess they don’t see the sun much. They’re a little reminiscent of lobster legs right now.
I’ll live. And you’d like to think I’ve learned a valuable life lesson. Here’s hoping.
In the meantime, it’s lots of aloe vera, water and paracetamol. Oh and baggy trousers. And yes I’m now singing that song.
Another fab horsey day out for me. Stewarding the SJ at Blackwater Farm’s ODE. It was a glorious day. Unfortunately my suncream application skills are far inferior to my ability to get every rider through the SJ phase. Let’s just say Aloe Vera is my friend right now.
A lovely Brucey Bonus today was meeting this incredible human being. Many of you might follow her. She’s the person behind Muddy Mayhem. And part of my favourite podcast Buck Off Banter.
She’d dusted off her eventing boots after a hiatus and smashed it out of the park! Got me thinking that maybe it’s time to dust off mine. I do miss it. So time to refresh my goals and kick on. Better warn Buddy he needs to crack out his brave pants!
Might need to wait till I stop glowing though. Not sure I could any kind of boots on right now. The backs of my legs are on fire! Bit like Karla.
Back home after a lovely flying visit to Suffolk to catch up with Simon and Harry. And Bailey of course. He does love his Auntie Pip. I got to meet their new puppy too. My goodness, he’s a bundle of energy and fluff!
It’s always good for my soul to go and spend time with them all. We had a BBQ feast for dinner. So I can home feeling refreshed, refuelled and ready to go again.
I’m very lucky to have such special people in my life.
Apparently it was Black Cat Appreciation Day yesterday. Totally missed that one. Though pretty much every day is in my book. I’ve always loved black cats. Maybe I was a witch in a former life?!
My little panther is snoring beside me. He’s very content indeed.
I was invited to judge and commentate at the first John Lake Riding Club show tonight. I had a co-commentator for a bit when this sweet little pup joined in.
It was a lovely, low key show. Perfect for those starting out or wanting to boost their confidence. It was great watching everyone in action.
Buddy and I will be joining the action no doubt.
I had lots of complements on my commentators voice. Seems I really do have a voice for radio….
Headed over to Forest Edge today to catch up with the last BHS campers of 2023. I’ve done three of the four camps but decided to sit this one out.
It was lovely to catch up with everyone. And very different being at camp without a horse. Today is an exciting day as the dates for next year’s camps were released. They’re already in my diary. Along with an alarm on the day the bookings open.
Camps are my happy place. Closet I get to a holiday. Time away with like-minded people, learning lots and bonding with Buddy. And I get fed. A lot. There’s really no downside.
Tales, Tails and Talus 